For Beginning Art Teachers

This question recently came up on the listserve I belong to: What art the top ten things beginning art teachers need to know and be able to do? Here is my reply: 1. Teach less so they learn more. A professor said this to me years ago and it stuck. Teach the basics and let them explore. 2. Make friends with the custodian and secretaries. Everyone knows they run the building! My custodian saves items for me, checks the kiln, and does a great job keeping the room clean. 3. Set the standards for your classroom from the beginning. I had several teachers approach me and ask that I create the decorations for each holiday to hang outside their doors. I made it clear (very nicely!) that I teach "art", not "cut and paste" class. I haven't been asked again and I have the respect of my peers. 4. Advocate for your classroom! Attach a summary of the project you have done to the back so parents will understand the hows and whys of the artwork. Send home newsletters expl